Massive Discovery of 'I Also Poppy' Containing Drug Components in Jeju Waters and on Land

The Jeju Regional Maritime Police Agency has seized a large quantity of 'I Also Poppy' containing drug components in the Jeju area.

The coast guard announced on the 10th that a total of 4,483 'I Also Poppy' plants were discovered and seized across 11 locations in the province during a concentrated crackdown on poppies from April 1 to July 31.

The seized 'I Also Poppy' closely resembles ornamental poppies, making it difficult for the general public to distinguish between the two.

Most of the plants were found to have been cultivated under the misconception that they were ornamental, or they had naturally grown in gardens from seeds blown by the wind.

This plant, scientifically named 'Papaver setigerum DC.', is mainly distributed in Jeju and some areas along the southern coast, with a total of 2,010 plants seized last year.

According to the coast guard, the detection of 'I Also Poppy' has been steadily increasing in both the number of discovered areas and the quantity over the past few years.

A coast guard official explained, “The climate and soil conditions of Jeju provide favorable circumstances for the natural growth of this plant, leading to its continued spread.”

In particular, the official emphasized, "This plant has hairy stems and produces small acorn-shaped fruits, making it difficult for the general public to distinguish it from ornamental poppies. However, opium can be extracted from the fruits, which can then be processed into a powerful drug, posing a significant risk."

The Jeju Regional Maritime Police Agency is conducting intensified crackdowns not only on land but also on drug smuggling via vessels and the distribution and use of narcotics among maritime workers, which began on the 21st of last month.

Through these efforts, they are working to block drug distribution in the Jeju waters and create a safe marine environment.

Image Source: Jeju Regional Maritime Police Agency, reference material for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank